Letter: Distressed about Greene Middle School

Published: February 22, 2014 4:00AM

Editor:

It is unfortunate the Board of Education has misled Green Township Historic Preservation Society from the beginning by never acting in good faith to approve the measures set forth by their president in June 2010 for preservation of the Nationally Registered Historic Landmark building, the Green Township High School.

Kim Bumgardner

Smithville

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Two members of the Green Local School District Board of Education provided a list of requirements to potentially preserve the 1939 Green Township High School. The total requested was $236,400. That amount could consist of cash, pledges, and in-kind donations. GTHPS claims it raised almost $300,000.

Unfortunately, there was a dispute over the amount that had to be in cash, if that cash was to be placed in escrow before or after an agreement was reached, and even if the August 30 deadline meant August 29, August 30 at 7:00 am, or before the end of day August 30.

The Daily Record reported that during the August 30 special school board meeting the board took no action, no motions, no votes and proceeded with its original plans to demolish the building.

anonymous_8341

February 24, 2014 9:00AM

GTHPS had their chance. They couldn't come up with the cash. Is it really more difficult than that? LET IT GO.

shsgrad

February 22, 2014 2:02PM

The requirements provided by members of the Green Local Board of Education to the GTHPS included a line item to replace exterior bricks to sections of the building where partial demolition would occur. They asked for $25,000. The GTHPS building assessment estimated $46,000. Of course, renovation is difficult because unexpected problems may be uncovered, but it's the GTHPS, not the school district, that has provided a source for its costs.

What could be a viable use for the building? The Wayne County Public Library said it has no money for a branch library this year, but how about in five years? Library personnel could help establish an archive of village, township and school documents. Area community centers offer elderly citizens assistance in tax preparation. There are rumors that boxes of trophies, awards, books and other school property are in storage. Some may have been thrown away. Open the boxes and put the memorabilia on displayed. For fund raising, area organizations could produce their versions of the Triway Capers or Wooster Idol. This building could serve as a venue for dozens of area theater or musical groups.

Many opportunites have been discussed. No commitments could be made because the future of the building was unknown. Unfortunately, the GTHPS, the school and community don't share a vision of the future.

buckeye70

February 22, 2014 11:05AM

Preserving historical buildings is a noble effort that I support. However, there has to be viable use for the building. I don't think the GTHPS has a real idea of the costs in brining this building up to code, and more importantly its upkeep. They would be better off to work with the school regarding an exhibit at the historical society that would keep the memoory of the school alive.

mariner

February 22, 2014 9:06AM

if this building was so strong and sound as stated in one of the previous opinions about the school, then why did the district need a new building. I also agree, it's just a building.